Manufactured in circa 1868, very late for muzzle loading percussion guns, with no provision for ramrods and intended for use in live pigeon shooting. The maker’s have kindly confirmed that this pair of 12 bore guns were ordered on December 5, 1867 by a Col. J. Reeve with the records noting that they were to be the “… same in every respect as old guns 1096 1097” with low elevation ribs, silver sights and gold ovals. Boss & Co. styled themselves as “Builders of Best Guns Only” with a reputation for exclusivity and as makers of the very finest quality guns and rifles. The firm has been in continual existence for more than two centuries and have been responsible for major innovations in gunmaking. With browned Damascus barrels with low profile concave rib with bead front sight, engraved with the number “1” and signed “BOSS & Co. 73. St. JAMES’S STREET. LONDON”. Casehardened patent breeches each engraved with two fine bands of stylized running foliage, inlaid with a short platinum line and with platinum plug, the rib section finely engraved with a spray of scrollwork. The underside of the barrels with London proof marks and barrel maker’s mark “JP”. Casehardened standing breech and sidelocks, the latter each signed “BOSS & Co.” Furniture including casehardened trigger plate with stylized pineapple finial, blued trigger guard numbered “1” on the tang, and blued buttplate also numbered “1”. Best quality fine border and scroll engraving throughout. Well-figured walnut straight hand half length stock with checkered grip and forearm, the underside of the butt with gold oval escutcheon engraved with a crest. The pair contained in a two tier fitted oak case with lift out tray and lined in red baize, the lid with printed Boss & Co. trade label. With some accessories including two shell pattern brass mounted copper powder flasks.

See “A”, the barrels, trigger guard tang and butt plate numbered “2”. Provenance: The Malcolm King Collection